Edgar Weaver
BIRTH: February 19, 1852, at Milton, Rock County, Wisconsin
DEATH: November 1, 1914 at Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota
Edgar Weaver
BIRTH: February 19, 1852, at Milton, Rock County, Wisconsin
DEATH: November 1, 1914 at Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota
Edgar Weaver was born February 19, 1852, at Milton, Rock County, Wisconsin. He received a solid business education in the common schools and college of his native town, preparing him for a career that would make him one of the most prominent civic leaders in Mankato and southern Minnesota.
From 1870 to 1872, Weaver worked as a clerk in the office of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company at Calmar, Iowa. He then spent seven years (1872–1879) in the employ of S. L. Sheldon at Madison, Wisconsin. In 1879 he entered the service of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, serving as general agent for twenty years, until 1899. His business acumen, integrity, and sound judgment made him widely respected in commercial circles.
Weaver’s influence extended well beyond business. In 1891 he was elected vice president of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society and in 1895 became its president, serving during 1895–96. He was also a member and secretary of the State Farmers’ Institute Board during 1895–1897. His leadership in agricultural development brought him into statewide prominence and contributed substantially to Minnesota’s agricultural advancement.
In local affairs, Weaver was equally active. He served as Mayor of Mankato for four consecutive terms—1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896—guiding the city through important years of growth. He was a member of the State Capitol Building Commission beginning in 1896, and in 1900 he was elected Auditor of Blue Earth County. Earlier, in 1891, he had also served as President of the State Fair.
Fraternally, he was a prominent member of the Masonic order, the United Workmen, the Commercial Travelers, the Elks, and other societies. His reputation was that of a capable, friendly, obliging man—popular with all classes and known for fairness and generosity.
On February 13, 1888, he married Katherine Wise, daughter of John C. Wise, longtime editor of The Mankato Review. They were devoted to one another and active in the social and civic life of the city.
In his later years, Weaver remained a central figure in Mankato’s public and business life. His sound judgment, financial integrity, and careful stewardship of public funds were frequently noted. He was regarded as a man who carried heavy responsibilities without display, performing his duties with dignity and conscientious care. In both municipal and state affairs, there was never a hint of impropriety attached to his service.
Edgar Weaver died quietly and peacefully at his home at 923 South Front Street, about 6:30 o’clock in the evening, following a brief illness brought on by a stroke of paralysis. He never regained consciousness. His death brought widespread sorrow to Mankato and the surrounding region. Tributes described him as one of the best-known and best-liked men in the city—a genial, generous, upright citizen whose passing was mourned by business associates, political colleagues, fraternal brothers, and countless friends.
The funeral was held under Masonic direction, reflecting his long and devoted service within the fraternity. As mayor, agricultural leader, state official, and trusted public servant, Edgar Weaver left a legacy of integrity, civic pride, and steadfast commitment to the welfare of Mankato and Minnesota.